If there’s standing water, it could soon become a mosquito haven

The recent heavy rain and scattered flooding is leaving pools of stagnant water in some areas of the Husker State, which may fast become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Entomologist Donald Lewis says just because there’s been flooding doesn’t mean mosquitoes will be swarming immediately.

“It’s not the floods that cause the mosquitoes,” Lewis says. “In fact, flooding and heavy rains frequently initially depress mosquito populations, but if the water stands for seven to 14 days following that, then mosquitoes can breed in those temporary water impoundments and populations can build fairly quickly.”

If you’re planning a graduation party, wedding reception or backyard barbecue, Lewis says you may want to launch a preemptive strike soon.

“You can fog or you can have your backyard sprayed for mosquitoes and it will help reduce the population for a day or two, but all those untreated areas right outside your property are still teaming with mosquitoes in an outbreak year,” Lewis says. “They will quickly move into the area that’s treated.”